The MFA in Interaction Design program trains students to research, analyze, prototype, and design concepts in their business, social, and cultural contexts.

As one of the only graduate-level degrees dedicated to interaction design in the United States, this program trains students to research, analyze, prototype, and design concepts in their business, social, and cultural contexts.

The curriculum combines studio courses, lectures, and seminars in strategy, design, methods that put ideas into practice both in the classroom and in the field. Students work both individually and collaboratively on the practical application of the concepts and methods that the program advances. Over the course of study, students will produce a wide range of concepts — from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity prototypes and applications — with the same degree of rigor.

In the first year, students learn the concepts and methods of interaction design, starting with an understanding of people and the environments that drive their needs, goals and experiences. Course materials consider these social constructs and human experiences as the basis for approaching problems across media. Optional summer internships with top design studios and companies are available between the first and second years for credit toward the thesis project.

During the second year, students apply the concepts and methods from the first year of study to shape their thesis projects. It is in the second year that students develop deeper business acumen through coursework and broader courses, such as service design and design management. Instead of a thesis show to conclude the two years, students and faculty will curate a public conference of their own work.

MFA in Interaction Design from School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York